Trying to eat your way through LA’s bewildering Mexican restaurant landscape might be a futile effort.
Because the city has the greatest population of Mexicans in America, and maybe the second largest in North America, there are almost unlimited options for tacos, tortas (including tortas ahogadas), and tamales — not to mention the birria, barbacoa, and a variety of Sinaloan and Oaxacan delicacies.
Because Los Angeles is home to some of the best Mexican cuisines in the world, next to San Diego, from street food to fine dining, this list will concentrate on sit-down brick-and-mortar restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area.
Consider it a taster of where to get great Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles, while any of the links below may help you identify particular dishes or areas.
Gish Bac
Maria Ramos and David Ramos own and operate one of the most spectacular Oaxacan restaurants in the city, where they serve everything from great mole to superb barbacoa enchiladas on the weekends, among other things.
Enjoy Redondo beach and then enjoy some tacos. Certainly, the best place to get a spicy aguachile or red tacos. If you are a first time visitor don’t be surprised with occasional live music in the whole neighborhood as this is one of the best locations on our list.
Tamales Elena Y
Maria Elena Lorenzo and her family of excellent chefs have opened a tamal and guisados restaurant in Bell Gardens that is a must-visit. The eponymous tamales are the draw, but the pozoles and guisados keep you coming back. From Arts District to Culver city, the Elena Y features awesome signature dish meats.
A pro tip for another great place in the area to visit is Pastor. They have a free market of specific dishes and standout tacos with floppy tortillas, which make it one of the better places among all the upscale spots.
Petty Cash Taqueria
In this section of town, Petty Cash is arguably the best bet for unique tacos, uni-laced guacamole, and agave-based drinks. It’s a terrific spot for huge parties to congregate because of the nice digs.
One of the better Mexico City theme restaurants in South Bay and West Hollywood.
Complex moles combined with a shareable make, especially in happy hour, make the Petty Cash the perfect oaxacan cuisine restaurant for any lover.
Coni’Seafood
This Inglewood eatery is a master of shrimp in all forms – fried, sautéed, chopped into ceviche marinero, or left whole for an aguachile with a brilliant jalapeo puree that is surprisingly bright and hot.
The pescado zarandeado, whole snook covered in an umami-rich paste and shaken over coals, is the true star here. Yes, this is a strong candidate for the greatest Mexican seafood restaurant in the city.
Guelaguetza Restaurant
When it comes to Oaxacan food in Los Angeles, Guelaguetza in Koreatown is unquestionably the best. The large restaurant that always manages to seem exceptionally celebratory is one of the best venues to indulge in complicated moles.
Pristine takes from chef Aurora Guerrero, making this downtown location one of the best busy burritos locations without little debate. According to the latest data, one of the most visited Mexican cuisine-themed restaurants.
Bar Hermanito
One of the more unexpected — and delightful — eating options on Sawtelle is Bar Hermanito. Yellowtail tostada with umeboshi (Japanese pickles) and shiso aguachile, as well as avocado slices cooked in togarashi-flecked panko, are among the delicacies inspired by the neighborhood’s Japantown culture and heritage.
The best reasons to visit Hermanito are its tacos, smooth cocktails, and westside-cool patio atmosphere: more common options like al pastor, shrimp, and quesabirria tacos are complemented by a Peking duck platter with mole, charred green onions, and homemade flour tortillas (not available every day — consider yourself lucky if it’s on the menu) (blue corn tortillas are available upon request).
La Casita Mexicana
La Casita, a standard-bearer for sit-down Mexican food, is both award-winning and delectable.
Sure, the crew has gone on to create numerous other restaurants since then, but this is still the place to go if you want to learn about Mexican cuisine. A real star massive restaurant that is worthy to check out.
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